Apparatus and method for decoupling an element that is bonded to a surface by adhesive

An apparatus for decoupling an element that is bonded to a surface by adhesive, the apparatus comprising:

• a body;
• an attachment member that is coupled to the body and that is positionally fixed relative to the body, wherein the attachment member is configured to removably couple to at least one of the element and the surface;
• a first spool that is rotationally coupled to the body;
• and
• a cable having a first cable end portion that is coupled to the first spool, a second cable end portion that is coupled to the body, and a cable intermediate portion that is disposed between the first cable end portion and the second cable end portion, wherein the apparatus is configured to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the element and the surface with the cable intermediate portion disposed adjacent to the adhesive such that when the first spool is rotated, the cable wraps about the first spool, thereby pulling the cable intermediate portion through the adhesive, and wherein the apparatus further includes a first pulley that is coupled to the body adjacent to the first spool and that is configured to position the cable intermediate portion substantially level with the adhesive and to guide the cable to the first spool as the first spool rotates.